Safety, Rest, and Reflection This Advent Season

As we live the season of Advent and approach the holidays, we are reminded of the importance of slowing down, finding peace, and cherishing time with loved ones. This is my hope for all the students, their families, and our staff, as the community has worked extremely hard to make 2025 a great school year. Christmas is a special time to reflect on the year that has passed, to celebrate the joy of community, and to prepare our hearts for the hope and promise that this season brings.

At the College, we deeply value the partnership we share with our families. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, and worked toward a shared vision of excellence and care.

In the recent release of the NAPLAN Data for all schools across the state of Victoria, the My School (www.myschool.edu.au) site provides some positive information about the growth of our students from Year 7 to Year 9 under the care of their teachers. We are proud to share that:

· We are ranked 154 out of 550 schools in the state

· 14th in the Western Region

· 1st in the Western Region for Catholic Colleges

· 1st for Co-Ed Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (Secondary Colleges)

· We rank 3rd to all Co-Ed Catholic Colleges in the state.

· We rank 19th in the State for all Catholic Secondary Schools, with all but two of the schools offering Single Gender Education

Congratulations to our students, their families and our dedicated staff.

Although academic achievement is only one sphere of the holistic development of the students, it is nonetheless an important area which we embrace. Students were also able to enjoy physical, social/emotional, spiritual and moral development through their engagement, interaction and partaking in the available activities.

I have recently engaged with senior students to ensure that there is an understanding that everyone is responsible for choosing the most appropriate VCE/VCE-VM/VET course and subject areas to enhance pathways options. It is important that discussions about pathways lead the decisions about choices and it is vital that parents understand the different options that the Department of Education offers for Year 11 and 12 students.

During this Advent season, we encourage you to prioritise safety and wellbeing, by embracing moments of rest, and taking time to reflect. Whether through family traditions, quiet prayer, or simply enjoying time together, may this season bring peace and renewal to your homes.

Thank you for walking alongside us in the journey that is the education of your child. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead and wish you and your family a blessed Advent and a joyful holiday season. Best of luck to our Class of 2025 Year 12 students who are eagerly awaiting their VEC results or perhaps are preparing for work, future study or training. In all cases, well done to such a wonderful group of students.

Key school dates for your 2026 diaries:

Thursday, 29 January: First day of Term 1,
Year 7, 10, 11 and 12 students commence
Friday, 30 January: Year 8 and 9 students commence
Friday 6 February: College Photo Day
Thursday 2 April: Last day of Term 1

Finally, this is the speech that I shared with all students at the Afternoon of Excellence Assembly:

Principal’s Address — Evening of Excellence Assembly

Good morning, staff, students, parents, carers, and friends of the College.

It is my honour, as Principal, to welcome you to our Assembly. We have gathered to cherish the tradition of recognising scholarship, character, and service within our community.

Before we commence, I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us today. May we learn with humility from the wisdom, culture, and stewardship of First Peoples.

Today’s assembly is a formal occasion to celebrate achievement and the pursuit of truth through disciplined study. Academic excellence is not limited to grades or prizes; it is the formation of the mind and heart, curiosity refined by rigour, resilience borne of challenge, and integrity which are expressed in the daily habits of learning. These qualities elevate the individual and enrich the life of the College.

Excellence is fostered by expert teaching, thoughtful mentoring, and the steadfast support of families. I acknowledge our teaching and support staff, whose professionalism and care have enabled you to flourish. I also thank parents and carers for their partnership with the College, and for the trust you place in us to educate your sons and daughters.

To the students who we recognised today, your achievements reflect sustained effort, intellectual curiosity, and an exemplary commitment to study. You have set a standard that inspires your peers and honours the College. Accept these accolades with gratitude and humility, mindful that honours are both a recognition of past accomplishments and a call to further service.

To those still on the journey toward these goals, please remember that excellence is a path walked step by step. Attend to your studies each day; seek feedback; ask the difficult questions; persevere when the work is demanding. Remember that genuine learning broadens the mind, strengthens character, and prepares you to contribute meaningfully to the world beyond these gates.

Our mission as a Catholic School is the holistic formation of young people, founded in the mind, the character, and the spirit. Achievement without character is incomplete; character without achievement is unformed. In uniting both, we cultivate learners who are intellectually prepared, ethically grounded, and outward-looking. All of you are called to lead, to serve, and to build communities marked by justice and compassion so your education and preparation are paramount.

Dr Munjed Al Muderis is a former refugee who has become a world-leading surgeon. Born in Iraq, Munjed grew up in a country torn by war and political instability. His family faced severe financial hardship, and as a young medical student, he was forced to flee after refusing to participate in acts against human rights. He arrived in Australia as a refugee with nothing but determination, and he endured months in detention and years of struggle to rebuild his life.

Despite these challenges, Munjed completed his medical training in Australia, often working multiple jobs to support himself. He pioneered osseointegration surgery, transforming the lives of amputees worldwide. He is now a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon, author, and advocate for refugees. Despite these achievements, he continues to mentor young doctors and campaign for humane treatment of asylum seekers.

His story demonstrates that challenges and adversity do not define destiny, as it is in our resilience, education, and compassion that we truly lead to extraordinary achievement.

As Munjed often emphasises, the journey from hardship to success begins with courage and perseverance. His message reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we must hold fast to hope and never stop striving for excellence.

Students, you are all destined for greatness if this is what you truly want. I offer my warmest congratulations to all award recipients and my sincere thanks to the staff who have prepared today’s ceremony, and to the families whose encouragement sustains all of you, our students. May this assembly remind you of our shared commitment to a culture of high expectations, scholarly endeavour, and mutual respect. And those of you who did not receive an award, be your best, give everything 100 percent, and the rest will take care of itself.

God bless you always.

Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal

Dear Families,

As we come to the end of another rich and rewarding school year at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all students, families, and staff for their dedication, resilience, and spirit throughout 2025. It has been a year of growth, renewal, and shared achievement, and I am deeply proud of the learning community we continue to build together.

Our Year 12 students now look ahead to an important milestone as they prepare to receive their final results on Thursday, 11 December at 7:00am. We are exceptionally proud of the commitment they have shown during their final year of schooling. No matter the pathway, university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, or entering the workforce, we wish every student success and fulfilment as they take their next steps. Families are also reminded that the Change of Preference period for the December offer round closes at 12:00 noon on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Please ensure any course preferences are updated well before the deadline.

This term also marked an exciting transition period for our Year 10 and 11 students, who have just completed two weeks of their 2026 Year 11 and Year 12 classes. Their focus and enthusiasm during this early commencement program have been commendable. I encourage them to enjoy a well-earned break while also ensuring they complete their holiday homework so they are ready to begin the new academic year with confidence and momentum.

We also acknowledge the release of Semester 2 reports: Year 10–12 reports on Friday, 28 November, and Year 7–9 reports on Friday, 5 December. Reports are an important part of each student’s learning journey. I encourage all families to take time to read and reflect on the feedback, celebrate achievements, and set meaningful goals for 2026. Constructive conversations at home can make a significant difference in supporting students to grow as learners.

A highlight of the term was the 2025 Afternoon of Excellence, held on Friday, 28 November. This special event brought our College community together to celebrate students who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to our College values. We congratulate every award recipient and thank their families and teachers for the support that helped them flourish.

As we close the year, I offer my sincere gratitude to our staff for their unwavering professionalism and care, and to our families for their continued partnership. To all students, well done on your efforts, big and small, across the year.

May this Christmas season bring peace, joy, and renewal to you and your families. Wishing you all a safe, restful, and blessed holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.

Lauren Markovic,
Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching

Over the past few weeks we at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College have farewelled many familiar faces. In October we celebrated the Graduation and Valedictory Dinner of our graduating Class of 2025. And in the past week we have concluded a successful academic year with our Year 10 and 11 cohorts, including the much-anticipated Senior Formal on Monday past.

And today, on the day we publish this newsletter, we have farewelled our junior school students. Our St John’s students and Christ the King students enter the summer holidays no doubt tired, but I hope proud of their efforts and appreciative of the support they have received.

I believe we can look at this year as a significant success from a student wellbeing perspective – and success in student wellbeing is at times an abstract thing to measure. We pride ourselves on instilling in both students and staff a shared culture of mutual respect, active engagement, and safety in our interactions. We likewise hold firm to the belief that if we live by Faith, see with Acceptance, act with Compassion, and strive for Excellence, that our FACE values will ensure a happy school life for all.

So how does a school measure Student Wellbeing success? It is not by the low numbers of phone confiscations or behaviour corrections we administer, nor is it simply the attendance data being high and the behavioural incidents being low – however, these are very positive to see. No, Student Wellbeing can be evidenced in the smiles of our students, the handshakes of congratulations as we graduate Year 9 students from their junior campuses, the tears of joy and appreciation as students hug friends and farewell staff at the end of the year, and in the kind words shared between friends and staff.

We are a College proud of our Student Wellbeing programs and efforts, a place that is a safe haven for so many, where our faith guides us to forgive, hope and rejoice again and again. May we remain safe this Christmas season and summer holidays, and may we all return in 2026 ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

If you do require assistance during the holiday period please note the organisations below:

Kids Help Line webchat:  https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

Phone: 1800 55 1800  (open 24/7)  

Lifeline webchat:  https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-text/

Phone: 13 11 14  (open 24/7)

Suicide Call Back Service:  https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/

Phone: 1300 659 467  (open 24/7)

Beyond Blue webchat:  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor/chat

Phone: 1300 224 636  (open 24/7)  

Headspace:  https://headspace.org.au/

(Need to sign in and click “Chat to a clinician” at the top of the page for webchat.)

Phone: 1800 650 890  (open Mon-Sun: 9am to 1am)

Reach Out:  https://au.reachout.com/

https://au.reachout.com/peerchat

(open Mon-Thurs: 3pm to 8pm and Fridays: 11.30am to 4.30pm)

Australian Government Mental Health Support for Young People:

https://headtohealth.gov.au/supporting-yourself/support-for/young-people

Also note:

In an emergency call: 000 (Ambulance, Police, Fire) (open 24/7)

For Police assistance in non-urgent events, please call: 131 444

Tristan O'Brien
Deputy Principal, Faith and Mission

We thank the students and staff of the college community for their support of our MacKillop Family Services Christmas Appeal. Many gifts have been donated and placed under our Christmas trees at both 204 and CTK campuses.

With all efforts in activities and drives throughout Term 4, including the Summer Concert BBQ and raffle, and casual clothes day we were able to raise almost $3000 toward the appeal.

In week 4 this term, representatives of the eco committee attended the Rerum Novarum Awards ceremony. These Awards are an opportunity for schools to complete social justice projects that work for change within their local community. Students are required to use the ‘See, Judge, Act’ method to apply the principles of Catholic social teaching to a social justice issue in their community and consider what they can do to change their own part of the world.

This year, the eco committee submitted a project based on food security. Throughout the year, they planted vegetables in the garden beds at 204 and CTK and donated the produce to Duke Street Community house’s food service; a service where free food is provided to members of our community who struggle to put food on the table.

I am pleased to announce that our college’s eco committee received second place in the awards, winning a total of $3000. The prize money will be used in future sustainability and social justice initiatives at the college.

Our Christ the King mass on the 28th of November also marked the conclusion of our Year 10 and 11 students. The mass celebrated by Fr Silvio Bezzina acknowledging our deep connection to our college community through our Christ the King campus. It is a special time where we acknowledge Jesus as the ruler of our minds, wills and hearts. It is a kingship of hope and love.

At our conclusion of our Christ the King mass this term, member representatives of the St Vincent de Paul society – Sunshine/Braybrook branch were presented with a check of $2500 for what was raised during this year’s Winter Appeal in term 2. This money will go directly to assisting the homeless and vulnerable in our local community.

With the culmination of reflection days, liturgical celebrations, and social justice initiatives and programs, this term, (as well as the whole year), has been a wonderful display of bringing the love of Jesus ablaze within our school and wider community.

Michael Chesser
Director of Faith and Mission

Dear families - Thank you for working in partnership with the college throughout the year.

The Family Partnership team have conducted a range of opportunities throughout the year including:

• Parent education sessions
• Compass support
• Development of our Parents & Friends group
• Tuning into Teens Program
• Parent wellbeing sessions
• Transition support
• Language and cultural support

Thank-you for your ongoing support. We look forward to working with you next year.

May Christmas bring you time with loved ones and time for rest and reflection.

Best wishes,

Family Partnership Team

Afternoon of Excellence

Our Afternoon of Excellence is an important date in our College calendar, as we recognise the students who have gone above and beyond in their academic subjects.

Congratulations to all those who received awards!

Summer Music Concert

Continuing the theme of Excellence, our Summer Music cencert showcased the truly exceptional musical talent we have here at the College. Congratulations to everyone who performed or worked backstage, and to all the staff who supported students. It was a wonderful night on the green, and the community spirit that makes the College what it is was heartwarming!

One Year Reunion

In only it's second year of running, it was gratifying to see so many of our previous Year 12 class return for their One Year Reunion!
Our Class of 2025 returned to catch up with one another, tell stories about what they've been up to, and celebrate having been graduated for a full year before heading on to the Summer Music Concert. 

Engineering Students at Work Program

Over the term 3 holidays, I and 8 of my fellow year 10s had the opportunity to take part in the Engineering Students at Work Challenge. This 5 day Work Experience run by Akorn Education and Engineers Australia, allowed high school students to experience what life is like as an engineer. As part of the work experience, our school alongside other schools had to work together to complete a project. The project required us to work together and create different sections of a hypothetical town. To assist us with this project, engineers from Introba came to speak to us about the different sections of engineering which we could implement into our projects.Over the 4 days we spent at the Engineers Australia office we were able to learn so much. We learned about the different fields of engineering, how they’re used in everyday buildings and we also learnt how to work as a team. Overall, this experience was an enriching hands-on opportunity that prepared us for the world of engineering.

- Tram Do

I would say this was an extremely rare and valuable experience. As a past aspiring future architect, this program has encouraged to change my career to one that includes some type of engineering, such as architectural engineering, or even a substainability engineer, which was presented to us alongside other fields such as fire safety, electricty, hydraulics and more. The program enabled us to work in team with other schools, which I can say for myself, has increased my social skills as someone who is quite antisocial. It also encouraged us to manage our time well, not only individually, but collectively as a whole, which was vital in completing our work in the course of 4 days. Overall, this entire experience was one I will never forget, and I would encourage as many students as possible to engage in the Engineering Students @ Work Challenge.
- Pech Thou 

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

A number of our students attended the Australian Catholic youth Festival earlier this week. The festival included opportunities for engagement with other young people, school and youth groups, Bishops, musicians and speakers. Each of the 3 days saw our students engaging in a wide range of activities including prayer, Mass, workshops, talks, live concerts, games, justice issues and an interactive expo.

House Activities Day

As part of our end of year celebrations, our junior students participate in a House activities day, where they compete across a number of acitivites, including baking, art tasks, sporting games and more. 

Year 7 STEM Day

Our Year 7 students participated in a STEM day in their final week for 2025, exploring all things Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics. 

There were a range of incredible acitivities put together by our staff, and our students finished the day with a better understanding and appreciation for all the STEM subjects!

Class of 2026 Senior Formal

On Monday our Class of 2026 celebrated their Senior Formal, formally marking the beginning of their time as Year 12s with the College. 

It was a wonderful evening, and we hope all those who attended found it a celebratory way to start their holidays before their final year with us. 

Year 9 Graduation and Campus Christmas Liturgies

On the final day of their classes, our Junior students said farewell to their Year 9 classmates before they move to the Sacred Heart Campus, as well as observing a final liturgy for the year, recongising and celebrating Advent.

We also welcomed and congratulated our new Junior Campus Captains into their new roles, and thanked the outgoing Campus Captains.

It's a big moment for our Year 9 students, as their responsibilities and expectations change, and as they complete the last day on their St John's or Christ the King Campus. We look forward to welcoming our new Year 10s on site at Sacred Heart next year!

Dear Gracious and Loving God,

As we reach the end of this school year, we pause in gratitude.
We thank You for the learning, the growth, the friendships,
and the moments of challenge that helped shape us.

Bless our students as they look toward holidays and rest.
Keep them safe, refresh their spirits,
and guide them to return renewed for the year ahead.

Bless our staff for their dedication and care.
May they find peace, joy, and well-deserved rest.
Strengthen them in their vocation to teach, lead, and serve.

Bless our families who support our College community.
May their homes be places of love, hope, and faith
during this season of preparation for Christmas.

As we await the coming of Christ,
set our hearts ablaze with His love,
that we may carry His light into the world
and continue to build a community grounded in compassion, justice, and faith.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.